One Billion Rising: We Rise and Dance in Aklan


Aklan GAD Commission and Philippine Commission on Women AECID Project



Over 2, 000 Akeanon women, men, boys and girls rose in solidarity to “Ending Violence Against Women and Children” in Aklan last 14 February, 2013.

14 February is annually celebrated as the day of hearts and love, a day wherein we give focus to the women and girls that we value so much. In the Province of Aklan, the Provincial Government thru the Aklan GAD Commission in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women AECID Project joins the international celebration of Rising, Dancing and Striking for ending violence against Women and children.

This celebration was participated by the Local Government of Kalibo and Malinao, different government offices and departments, National Government Agencies, the Department of Education, and different CSOs and NGOs and the throughout the Province of Aklan.

As part of the celebration, a flash mob was staged at the Kalibo International Airport and Gaisano Capital Kalibo and was spearheaded by selected Regional Science High School for Region VI students and Northwestern Visayan Colleges Youth Advocates, MOVE Junior NVC Chapter and Theatre Arts Guild.

Street Parade followed, which started at the Capitol Grounds and stormed the major streets of Kalibo and culminated at the Pastrana Park.


Jenny Lind Elmaco, PCW AECID Project Manager

A short program followed, which highlighted the reasons why our Government officials Rise in Ending Violence against Women and Children.

“Ang mga kababaihan ay dapat na minamahal at hindi sinasaktan,” said Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, on his reason why he rises against Violence Against Women.

Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo—Quimpo, SP Daisy Briones, Kalibo Vice Mayor Madeline Regalado, and Ms. Jenny Lind Elmaco (Project Manager, AECID) also enlightened the crowd on why do they rise.

The Men Who Loves Women also stood up on why they rise against VAW, Engr. Roger M. Esto (PPD Coordinator) and Mr. Jones Arrieta (MOVE Aklan President) astounded the crowd on their fight to ending VAW.

Ms. Cynthia Aranas, Director of Civil Service Commission brought the women and men present close to tears when she read the poem “He got me Flowers Today.”Dancing of the “Fight Back”, which is the adopted dance theme of the One Billion Rising Philippines and the releasing of doves symbolizing that we finally end violence in Aklan concluded the day’s event.